Alltel's response to their GPS problem

[mystic54]

I recently emailed Alltel in response to my GPS not working no matter what anybody in here tried to tell me to do, nothing worked. My response back was that Alltel does not support GPS outside of paid apps. I asked why it works on Alltel Curve's etc but was told it doesn't (weird huh?).

I can't see why they have any reason to lock it down on the Pearl's but not the Curve's. I just want a feature that was advertised for my phone!!!

[Motorcycle Mama]

What OS version is on the device?

[mystic54]

That was the first suggestion given to me on these forums (to upgrade my device). I am on the highest version I can currently go and there still is no difference.

4.5.0.160 (253).

[tsguy52]

Originally Posted by mystic54

I can't see why they have any reason to lock it down on the Pearl's but not the Curve's. I just want a feature that was advertised for my phone!!!

So does TeleNav even work?

[mystic54]

Originally Posted by tsguy52

So does TeleNav even work?

I was told TeleNav would work by the Alltel rep. I have avoided TeleNav completely though because of all the horror stories. Even if you activate it and then cancel it right away I heard they still charge.

[tsguy52]

Originally Posted by mystic54

I was told TeleNav would work by the Alltel rep. I have avoided TeleNav completely though because of all the horror stories. Even if you activate it and then cancel it right away I heard they still charge.

Okay, so then it is working as advertised. GPS via TeleNav is what Alltel requires.

Check out Alltel.com -

Blackberry Pearl: GPS Capable w/Navigation Sold Separately.

Sounds like Alltel doesn't really have a problem if it is working as designed.

[sdelthon]

what about google maps?

[mystic54]

Originally Posted by tsguy52

Okay, so then it is working as advertised. GPS via TeleNav is what Alltel requires.

Check out Alltel.com -
Sounds like Alltel doesn't really have a problem if it is working as designed.

When I checked out Alltel earlier, I could have swore I didn't see "sold separately". That doesn't necessarily mean you have to buy a product to get it working, sounds like they leave it open to other programs such as BB maps and Google Maps.

sdelthon: No program works even if I give Google Maps 10 minutes when trying to locate a satellite.

When it works for others, that is where I take offense.

[tsguy52]

Originally Posted by mystic54

When I checked out Alltel earlier, I could have swore I didn't see "sold separately". That doesn't necessarily mean you have to buy a product to get it working, sounds like they leave it open to other programs such as BB maps and Google Maps.

sdelthon: No program works even if I give Google Maps 10 minutes when trying to locate a satellite.

When it works for others, that is where I take offense.

Seriously - it means TeleNav activates the GPS capabilities. You should know this or else you wouldn't be trying to get around it lol..

It isn't supposed to work for others - that's the problem. So you call/email Alltel and we have to tell you - we don't support it. Just like WE know that a Verizon phone CAN be activated on Alltel's network, but we cannot support it (troubleshoot and try to help you figure out why something isn't working). It is just something we cannot support unless you buy the TeleNav application.

It sucks man I know - I don't agree with disabling ANY feature on ANY phone.

[i_hiker]

With the .160 OS, BBMaps should work without activating TeleNav. The .127 OS does not allow this. Just give the BBMaps some time to find the sats on your first attempt and do it outdoors. Google Maps works sometimes, but you need to fire up BBMaps first.

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[Motorcycle Mama]

Yeah, the lack of a GPS lock in Google Maps is more a Google Maps issue than an Alltel issue.

Try to get a satellite lock in BBMaps.

Be sure you are in an open area. Start the GPS Navigation in BBMaps. Wait at least 15 minutes for the initial cold fix.

[callmeox]

My Pearl is on .160 and the GPS works with BB Maps fine. The only way I can get a lock with Google Maps is to fire up BlackStar first, back out with it still running and then fire up Google Maps.

That works for about 15 minutes, then I lose lock again.

PITA

[Motorcycle Mama]

Yeah, that's a Google Maps issue because of the way Google Maps interacts with the GPS receiver.

[mystic54]

Yea well I never originally waited 15 minutes for it to get the lock, just about 10. Sadly though, each time it takes at least 15 minutes to get a lock. Any ideas?

[grandpa dan]

The real sad part about all this is once vzw takes over all this may be moot as we all know they block all third party gps access.

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